Workers’ fightback sets the tone for East Midlands conference

Judy Beishon speaking at the 2016 East Midlands Socialist Party conference, photo by Mike Barker

Judy Beishon speaking at the 2016 East Midlands Socialist Party conference, photo by Mike Barker   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Lucy Nuttall, Leicester Socialist Party

Throughout the East Midlands we have seen an upsurge in the willingness of workers to fight back against unfair conditions and low pay. The Samworth Brothers food workers in Leicestershire, school support staff in Derby and the local junior doctors, to name a few.

On 28 February, members of the Socialist Party from across the region came together for a conference in Nottingham.

Judy Beishon, a member of the Socialist Party executive committee, opened the discussion on Britain, emphasising the need to put forward an internationalist socialist viewpoint opposing the EU and fighting for workers’ rights.

Dave Gorton talked about organising workplace paper sales and the need for trade unions to line up against local government cuts.

Discussing how to appeal to more women, Karen Seymour suggested holding Saturday morning meetings, to make it as easy as possible for women to attend and get involved in party activity.

The workshop on building the party among students, led by Matt Whale and Theo Winston, discussed how to reach out to young people in schools and colleges.

Anti-cuts campaigns have been a major focus of the Socialist Party’s work in the region, as reported by regional organiser Steve Score. The fight against fire service cuts has been hugely successful as well as campaigns against the closures of adult social care homes and children’s centres.

Over £500 was raised for the fighting fund appeal. This shows the commitment of members to building a strong revolutionary party that fights for socialism.